Real Estate Agent vs Building Inspector

Clearly not all estate agents are created equal. If this were so the general public would have an overall perception that your typical agent is predominantly an honest, hard working service provider simply trying to facilitate a harmonious union between property buyers and sellers with one united goal. That goal being the transfer of ownership of a specific property for a mutually agreed price. It is therefore unfortunate that a small number of agents acting unprofessionally can sully the reputation of the majority. As the Director of Action Property Inspections I have personally completed over 20,000 building inspections in the Brisbane ...

The truth about Thermal Image Cameras.

What many people do not realise is that on a typical brick veneer house, the external walls do not provide structural support to your house. The brickwork could be removed and your house would remain standing. It is in fact the internal timber frame that provides the structural integrity for your house. Subsequently evaluating these walls during the course of an inspection is very important. So how do you evaluate these supporting wall structures when concealed by internal linings?

Home Buyers: Don’t Trust Pre-Sale Building Inspection Reports

by Andrew Mackintosh. Let's assume for a moment that we live in a perfect world where deception is non existent, real estate agents are all honorable and $300,000 would buy you a castle in the suburbs. If this was the real world, the notion of relying upon a Pre-Sale Building Inspection Report would make sense. The purchaser would feel confident in purchasing a property knowing that a Building Inspector has undertaken a detailed inspection of the house and produced an accurate and unbiased report subsequently removing all risk and doubt as to whether they should proceed with the purchase. Unfortunately we don’t live in a perfect world.

Brisbane building inspections misleading articles

by Andrew Mackintosh   Purchasing a house can be a daunting prospect for an experienced investor let alone a first home buyer. Finding the right advice prior to purchasing a house is essential and invaluable, alternatively receiving inaccurate or misleading information could prove to be extremely costly.

The Difference Between Pre-Sale and Pre-Purchase Building Inspections

by Andrew Mackintosh As the potential purchaser of a property there are really only two different types of reports that you need to consider. One is the Pre-Sale Building Inspection whilst the other is a Pre-Purchase Building Inspection. The Pre-Purchase Building Inspection is essential for anyone buying a house, whilst the other, in most cases is to be avoided like the plague.

Free Floodwise Property Reports

Before you purchase a property check the FREE FloodWise Property Report.  This report provides anticipated flood levels from river, creek, waterway and storm tide flooding and ground levels for the nominated property. The information contained in this report is only based on information currently available to Council and such information may not be complete. http://flood.brisbane.qld.gov.au/floodwise_property_report/

Avoid property pitfalls

BUYING a home is the biggest purchase most of us will make in a lifetime and it's also one of the few times when you won't get an exchange or refund if it doesn't live up to expectations. "You can't return it and say, 'I've made a huge mistake, I don't like it, I've changed my mind, I want a red one instead of pink','' Real Estate Institute of Australia president David Airey says. "So the way to avoid that is to do the necessary research and investigations before committing to ...

Keep an eye on hidden property costs

SO YOU want to be a property investor? Well, you'll be joining thousands of new investors each year Australia-wide. Property is probably our most loved investment sector and its popularity shows no sign of waning. But it's not all negative gearing benefits and rental in-flows. There are financial traps for the unwary. And although most costs are tax-deductible, investors still need to have enough cash flow to pay the bills when they arrive. "Too often you hear an investor talking about all the out-of-pocket expenses they had to pay but weren't aware of before they ...

Call for asbestos education and support for international trade ban

AUSTRALIAN medical experts have called for more education programs about the risk of asbestos and for the nation to support international bans on asbestos trade. In a paper published yesterday in The Medical Journal of Australia, a group headed by Professor Peter Sly from the Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute said although asbestos-containing materials were banned in Australia and 51 other countries, an estimated 125 million people were still exposed to the substance in their homes and work environment. "Globally, the major problem is with continued mining and use of asbestos, with over two million tonnes produced in 2008," Prof Sly said in the paper. "Developing countries, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe, are mining or importing asbestos for domestic use ...

Pre-purchase Checklist

There are a few important considerations to note down before you start to scan websites looking for your perfect pad. This pre-purchase checklist will have you well on your way to picking the right pad. Checklist: 1. Deciding where to purchase property is not a straightforward task. You need to consider your life stage and current situation i.e., are you: Single? In a relationship? Contemplating children? Coping with your commuting distance to work? 2. Other important aspects to consider include: Your preferences for inner city living versus parkland and the open spaces Your proximity to retail outlets and other services Your desire for closeness to family and friends Assessing your hobbies and interests and where they are located 3. ...